Lucasfilm’s Industrial Light & Magic has signed an expanded co-operation deal with Base FX that secures the exclusive use of the Beijing-based shingle’s services for all ILM’s Hollywood pics.

The deal is another sign of how Hollywood is trying to build closer links with firms in China, the world’s second biggest movie market.

Base FX has been working with ILM for a year and, under its supervision, its Beijing production team has successfully completed work on “G.I.: Joe Retaliation,” “Star Trek Into Darkness,” “The Lone Ranger” and “Pacific Rim.”

Base FX founder Christopher Bremble and Lucasfilm topper Kathleen Kennedy concluded the deal at the Beijing Film Festival, where Kennedy is due to give a keynote speech.

“The exclusive contractual agreement is a key part of ILM’s growth strategy in Asia, providing scale and guaranteed capacity in China,” the two companies said in a joint statement.